What a cracking day the Footy Almanac Grand Final Eve lunch turned out to be. In fact, the best one I have attended in my humble opinion.
A large group of like-minded bodies enjoyed the conviviality expected and conveyed at an Almanac function to provide the opportunity to catch up with old friends, and as always the custom, to make new friends. The room hummed with joy, conversation, and laughter as everyone primed themselves for the main event.
Of course, and so wonderfully well, everything is held together and run by the Master of Ceremonies extraordinaire, John Harms. John is the lynch pin of the operation who ensues everything is the success that it is.
Raconteur Matty Quartermaine presented his now traditional ‘Year in Review’ which, as always brought a smile to everyone’s face.
Poet, Damian Balassone is well known to Almanac readers with his regular contributions on the website, and is also widely published. The exchange between John and Damian was a delight. Damian’s footy poems in response highlighted his expertise in his field and were extremely well received and acknowledged by the audience.
John interviewed Rebecca Shaw who has held senior leadership positions over the past 18 years with the Brisbane Lions FC, Australian Football League, and the GWS Giants FC. Her perspective from a leadership role behind the scenes in those clubs was a most enlightening view of the operations of those clubs.
The Surbanan Boy, Dave Warner was the highlight for me. Just an all round beaut bloke who had the audience in the palm of his hands, and his solo rendition of his song ‘Where is Jackie Mihocek’ brought the house down. Well done Dave!
Another tradition of the day is interview and discussion with some of the parents who have a son playing in the Grand Final. This year representing Brisbane were Joe Daniher’s parents Jo and Anthony Daniher; Heather and Wayne Andrews, parents of Harris Andrews; and representing Sydney was Tom Papley’s dad David. This session is always an interesting session, it is a privilege to hear first hand accounts and insights from the parents into their sons’ backgrounds, their footy careers, and what makes them tick.
Congratulations John on another fantastic and successful lunch, it was a beauty!
More from Col Ritchie can be read Here
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About Colin Ritchie
Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.
Coliin
A wonderful review of yesterday’s festivities, yes indeed it was a cracker of a day. Nice to speak briefly at Waurn Ponds station last evening!
Regards
John Milton and Heather Holcombe
Agree Col. Absolute rip snorter of a day.
Col have told the better half that we need to be in Vic next year – geez definitely a few book targets there !
Have only heard very favorable reports
Wish I was there. It just wasn’t possible unfortunately.
Well played Col. And JTH. And the pub. And everybody else who was there.
I knew it was going to be a ripper when I bumped into Tony Morwood and Co at Ormond Station.
PS – thanks Col for managing to take the first photo this century that has me smiling.
Great event to attend. I’ve been to 3 GF lunches, but only once with a dog in the fight and attending the game. Most times the Almanac lunch is far better than the game. Saturday was a real yawn fest for a neutral. By half time I was wishing I hadn’t given up golf to watch.
Lots of familiar faces in the lunch pix. Do you have to produce your pension card at the door to get in?
Trying to work out the significance of the Fearless Leader’s white curly locks. Shock of the Cats turning up their toes in the PF last quarter? Admitted to the judiciary? Amadeus rehearsal? Please explain.
No doubt the highlight of what was otherwise a pretty awful weekend for Swans supporters .
Cheerd
Well played Col. Well played JTH.
I felt a bit crook (nothing contagious) so couldn’t stay for lunch.
Rapt to get along briefly.
Wonderful.
I reiterate ER’s comments – a grand occasion. Superb work JTH. And great write up (and photos) Col, really captured the day. Spewing I missed you ER. Would have been nice to catch up.
Thanks for this, Col. Great to read your report and see the photos. Both capture the sense of community and next year (as always) I hope to be there!
Deeply regretful that Rose and I couldn’t make it this year – sounds like a cracker!
Thanks Col